Tax season is officially underway, and millions of Americans are eager to know when they will receive their refunds. The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 27, 2025, and most taxpayers can expect to receive their money within a few weeks—depending on how and when they file.
With the April 15, 2025 deadline approaching, here’s everything you need to know about the IRS refund schedule, expected processing times, and key factors that may impact when your money arrives.
How Long Will It Take to Get Your Tax Refund?
- Electronic Filers: The IRS processes most e-filed tax returns within 21 days of acceptance, meaning many Americans will receive their refunds in just three weeks if they opt for direct deposit.
- Paper Filers: If you file a paper return, expect a much longer wait—four weeks or more before your refund is processed.
- Returns Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC): Due to federal regulations under the PATH Act, refunds for these returns cannot be issued before mid-February. Taxpayers claiming these credits should receive their payments by March 3, 2025, if filed early and no issues arise.
IRS Refund Schedule 2025: Estimated Payment Dates
If you file electronically and your return is accepted by the IRS by the following dates, here’s when you can expect your direct deposit refund:
| If the IRS Accepts Your Return By: | Estimated Direct Deposit Date: |
|---|---|
| January 27, 2025 | February 17, 2025 |
| February 3, 2025 | February 24, 2025 |
| February 10, 2025 | March 3, 2025 |
| February 17, 2025 | March 10, 2025 |
| February 24, 2025 | March 17, 2025 |
| March 3, 2025 | March 24, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| March 17, 2025 | April 7, 2025 |
| March 24, 2025 | April 14, 2025 |
| March 31, 2025 | April 21, 2025 |
| April 7, 2025 | April 28, 2025 |
| April 14, 2025 | May 5, 2025 |
Note: These are estimated dates and could vary based on IRS processing times, errors on tax returns, or additional review requirements.
How to Get Your Refund Faster
To avoid delays and get your refund as quickly as possible, the IRS recommends:
- Filing electronically instead of mailing a paper return.
- Choosing direct deposit as your refund method.
- Double-check your tax return for errors before submitting.
Checking Your Refund Status
After filing, you can track the status of your refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the agency’s website. This tool provides real-time updates and can be used 48 hours after e-filing or four weeks after mailing a paper return.
With the tax season in full swing, taxpayers who file early and follow the recommended steps can expect their refunds within a few weeks. If you haven’t filed yet, now is the time to get your documents to ensure a smooth and timely refund process.
